Spider-Man #21 Review

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Artist: Nico Leon / Marvel Comics It’s safe to say that things have escalated rather quickly for Miles. Happenstance brings Miles into the premier criminal underworld of Japan and in contact with Tomoe. Y’all may remember her as a new Iron Man / Iron Heart villain that appeared last year. Miles is being put under the microscope by Tomoe and it’s a flashback to some wise words from Uncle Aaron that puts Miles in the right state of mind. Listen, this flashback may easily be the best thing about this issue. We haven’t seen Unc’ in a while (unless we’re counting Donald Glover in Spider-Man: Homecoming). This was a great callback to Aaron’s relationship with Miles and showing us a different side of the villain we knew he’d become. I can’t say I’m too stoked about Miles suddenly being in Japan now. I’m a bit conflicted as this feels like a quick anime filler episode within an actual episode, however, so many cool things occur in this issue. The flashbacks to Uncle Aaron give way to an incredible homage to a certain action star. Miles (to me) shows he may not be cut out for the spy life as his father is way more up to speed on certain things (like how a tuxedo left for you by some rando stranger is obviously bugged). If we saw Miles’ stay in Japan as more drawn out and him actually leading a double life in an underground criminal world, then we’d be talking.

This issue felt more like a teaser to Miles’ much-needed escape. The quick resolution of the …